Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup Recipe

There’s nothing quite like cozying up with a hearty bowl of Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup! Creamy, dreamy, and brimming with pillowy gnocchi and vibrant veggies, this soul-warming dish is pure comfort in every spoonful—made extra velvety thanks to a touch of Parmesan and a handful of baby spinach stirred in at the end. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving a flavorful, one-pot weeknight meal, this Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup is about to become your new go-to comfort food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pull out your favorite soup pot! The beauty of Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup is just how simple the ingredients are—each one bringing a unique splash of flavor, creaminess, or color. Let’s break down why you’ll want every single one in your pot!

• Olive oil: Gives the veggies a luscious, savory start and helps carry all the herbal notes through the soup.
• Yellow onion: The aromatic, sweet foundation that builds tons of flavor from the very first sizzle.
• Carrots & celery: These classic soup veggies add hints of earthiness, gentle sweetness, and lots of color.
• Garlic: Punches up the flavor with its irresistible fragrance—don’t skip it!
• Dried thyme, oregano, and rubbed sage: The trio that infuses each bite with savory, herby depth and cozy aromas.
• Vegetable broth: The flavorful base that keeps this soup 100% vegetarian (feel free to use low-sodium for extra control over saltiness).
• Chickpeas: Provides protein and a nutty, creamy bite that makes every serving super hearty.
• Potato gnocchi: These irresistible, pillowy dumplings soak up flavor and bring dreamy softness to the soup.
• Whole milk: Adds a luscious, creamy body without making the soup feel heavy.
• Shredded Parmesan cheese: Melts into the broth for incredible savory depth—use the real stuff if you can!
• Baby spinach: Extra greens for freshness, color, and tenderness, stirred in just at the end.
• Salt & pepper: For perfectly balanced seasoning—always taste and adjust at the very end.

Variations

Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup is basically a blank canvas—ready for you to put your own twist on it! Customize the veggies, swap up the greens, or tuck in extra protein to suit your personal tastes and dietary needs.

• Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk with unsweetened oat milk or soy milk, and use a dairy-free Parmesan for an equally creamy, comforting bowl.
• Make It Vegan: Omit Parmesan and swap in a plant-based alternative—you’ll still get richness and depth, especially if you add a splash of nutritional yeast.
• Boost the Greens: Stir in chopped kale or Swiss chard instead of (or alongside) spinach for heartier greens and extra texture.
• Roasted Veggies: Try adding roasted butternut squash or zucchini for an autumnal spin and a little caramelized sweetness.

How to Make Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics & Veggies

Start by heating the olive oil in your biggest pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, celery, and a couple of pinches of salt. Let these veggies sweat and soften—stirring occasionally to pick up all those golden, fragrant bits at the bottom—for about 8 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Garlic & Herbs

Sprinkle in the minced garlic, thyme, oregano, and sage. Stir constantly for about a minute, just until your kitchen smells absolutely magical and you can see (and smell!) the flavor building right in the pot.

Step 3: Simmer with Broth & Chickpeas

Pour in the drained chickpeas and the vegetable broth. Give everything a good stir to combine, then bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low and let those flavors mingle for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

Tumble in the potato gnocchi and let them cook in the bubbling soup for another 5 minutes, or until they’re plump, tender, and floating to the top—this means they’re perfect!

Step 5: Stir in Milk & Cheese

Reduce the heat a bit and stir in the whole milk and shredded Parmesan. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the soup becomes lush and creamy—watch as it turns downright irresistible!

Step 6: Finish with Spinach & Seasonings

Remove the pot from heat. Gently add the baby spinach by the handful, giving it just a minute or two to wilt in the steamy soup. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking. That’s it—your Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

For the prettiest and most flavorful bowls, scatter each serving with more freshly grated Parmesan and a pinch of chopped fresh parsley. A little cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving sends the presentation and taste over the top.

Side Dishes

This soup is fantastic with a chunk of crusty bread for dipping or a side of garlic toast. If you prefer something lighter, a simple green salad or roasted vegetable platter turns your Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup into a full, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle your soup into wide, shallow bowls for a casual-chic feel, or serve in colorful mugs for a fun, cozy touch at gatherings. For family dinners, bring the pot to the table and let everyone serve themselves—the sight (and scent!) of that creamy gnocchi swirling with greens is irresistible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If possible, store the gnocchi separately to keep them from absorbing too much broth and turning mushy.

Freezing

This soup freezes well without the gnocchi—just leave them out, freeze the broth and veggies, then add freshly cooked gnocchi when you reheat. Thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy within 2-3 months for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

Gently rewarm Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of veggie broth or water to loosen it back up, and stir in the spinach just before serving for a fresh finish.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope this Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine! It’s simple, hearty, and full of love—perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying all to yourself. Give it a try this week, and let every fluffy bite of gnocchi brighten your day!

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